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Incorporating Green Stormwater Practices in Municipal Infrastructure Sustainability in Local Government May 4, 2011 Bernie Michaud, P.E., P.H.

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Typical Green Stormwater Infrastructure Has an infiltration or evapotranspiration component. Has vegetation, preferably native

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Focus on Retrofitting Existing Infrastructure and Underused Land Saves on land acquisition costs. Neighbors often resistant to wet ponds. Often constrained by need for an elevation drop between inlet and underdrain outlet. Constraints due to tight soils, high groundwater, and contaminants in watershed.

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Parking Lot Biofilter at Bradford Beach

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Terrace Biofilter in Madison

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Median Biofilter in Verona

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Swale w/curb and gutter in Cross Plains

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Dry Basin to Biofilter Retrofit - Verona

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Dry Basin to Infiltration Basin Retrofit - Middleton

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Ravine to Biofilter Conversion, N. Kentucky

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Raingardens on School Grounds Excellent Volunteer Project Opportunity Good Candidate for donations and grants. Excellent Outdoor Education Resource Need buy in from School District, teachers, and parents.

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Sauk Trails School Biofilter - Middleton

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Native Plants Aesthetics & Appreciation Weedy look usually not appreciated Select plants that do not get real tall or are aggressive and take over. Best success with plugs, not seeding. Select plants with varying flowering seasons. Blend in sedges and grasses for variety. Ornamental rocks add nice touch.

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Native Plants Maintenance Include landscaper qualification requirements in bid specifications. Include warranty period of 1-2 years for plant material. Include maintenance period of 2-3 years in bid specifications. Consult nursery or horticulturist for best mowing regime.

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Questions? Bernie Michaud, AECOM Bernard.michaud@aecom.com (608)828-8130

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Benefits of Vegetated Stormwater Infiltration Facilities. 1.Improved Urban Hydrologic Cycle improved riparian and stream habitat. 2.Improved aesthetics of the landscaping and terrestrial urban habitat. 3.Pollutant reduction including nutrients and bacteria. 4.Sometimes more acceptable than wet ponds. 5.Fulfills infiltration regulatory requirements. 6.Can reduce CSO frequency. 7.Has cache of the Sustainable brand. 8.Native vegetation may prolong the design infiltration rate. 9.Provides thermal control of runoff. 10.Groundwater replenishment good for drinking water supplies. 11.Education very visual watching the water soak in. 12.Cost effective in terms of reducing CSOs? 13.Carbon reduction with vegetation?

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Greenway Swale in Verona